Ads
Description
Hats Off Day Burnaby 2026
Event Overview
Step right up for one of Metro Vancouver’s biggest and most beloved street festivals as Hats Off Day Burnaby 2026 returns with this year’s exciting circus-inspired theme: “Under the Big Top.”
Held along 12 blocks of Hastings Street in Burnaby Heights, this long-running community celebration transforms the neighbourhood into a vibrant festival filled with live entertainment, a colourful parade, classic cars, food vendors, cultural performances, family activities, and community spirit.
Organized by the Heights Merchants Association, Hats Off Day has been a Burnaby tradition since the early 1980s and now attracts more than 60,000 visitors annually.
Date & Time
Saturday, June 6, 2026
9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Location
Hastings Street
From Boundary Road to Gamma Avenue
Burnaby Heights, Burnaby, BC
Admission
Free for all visitors
Festival Highlights
Family Fun Dash
Starts: 9:30 AM
The day kicks off with the popular Family Fun Dash, a fun community fitness tradition welcoming children and families of all ages. Participants receive a special swag bag and environmentally sustainable wooden finisher’s medal.
Hats Off Day Parade
Starts: 10:00 AM
One of the festival’s signature attractions, the parade features:
- Local schools
- Marching bands
- Community organizations
- Circus-inspired performers
- Colourful floats
- Cultural groups
The parade route travels through Burnaby Heights and ends near Fortius Sport & Health and the festival grounds.
Street Party
11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
After the parade, Hastings Street transforms into a massive pedestrian festival filled with:
- Live music
- Cultural dance performances
- Roving circus acts
- Inflatable games
- Wellness experiences
- Fitness demonstrations
- Kids activities
- Merchant specials and giveaways
Show & Shine Car Show
11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Car enthusiasts can explore an impressive collection of:
- Classic vehicles
- Vintage cars
- Sports cars
- Custom builds
- Unique automotive displays
The Show & Shine remains one of the festival’s most popular attractions every year.
Food & Dining
Hats Off Day is also one of Burnaby Heights’ best food events of the year. Visitors can enjoy:
- Korean fried chicken
- Vietnamese street food
- Italian grilled specialties
- Persian cuisine
- Greek dishes
- International snacks and desserts
- Local cafes and restaurants
Many Burnaby Heights businesses will also feature one-day-only specials and promotions during the festival.
Accessibility & Transportation
Public Transit
Bus routes along Hastings Street will be rerouted to Pender Street during the festival.
Accessibility
- Fully wheelchair accessible
- Accessible parking available
- Portable washrooms throughout the site
Parking
Street parking and nearby neighbourhood parking available. Arriving early is strongly recommended.
Public Safety
Festival organizers, the City of Burnaby, and Burnaby RCMP have enhanced public safety measures in place throughout the event to ensure a safe and welcoming experience for everyone attending.
Why You Should Attend
Hats Off Day combines the atmosphere of a small-town community festival with the scale of a major Metro Vancouver street celebration. With live performances, food, family activities, and one of the region’s largest parades, it remains one of Burnaby’s signature annual events.
